Alcohol & Magnesium
Drinking habits can sometimes blur the lines between healthy and acceptable social drinking and excessive alcohol consumption. The long-term effects of alcohol are very real and can lead to serious and lasting medical issues that begin with vitamin deficiency.
Do You Consume More Than Seven Alcoholic Beverages Per Week?
The effect of alcohol on magnesium levels is similar to the effect of diuretics: it lowers magnesium available to the cells by increasing the excretion of magnesium by the kidneys. In studies, clinical magnesium deficiency was found in 30% of alcoholics.
Increased alcohol intake also contributes to decreased efficiency of the digestive system, as well as Vitamin D deficiency, both of which can contribute to low magnesium levels.
Magnesium Deficiency And Alcohol Intake
Alcoholics have been found to have deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Research shows that drinking alcohol itself does not limit the absorption of minerals, but alcohol-related problems do. Mineral deficiencies may be caused by other alcohol-related conditions:
Decreased calcium absorption caused by fat malabsorption.
Magnesium deficiency due to poor diet.
Magnesium loss due to excretion, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Iron deficiency due to gastrointestinal bleeding.
Zinc losses related to other nutrient deficiencies.